Hypoglycemia

Definition

Glucose is a type of sugar. It is your body's main source of energy. Hypoglycemia is a condition where the level of glucose in your blood becomes low enough to cause symptoms. When blood glucose drops too low, your body does not have enough energy to function properly.

Causes

Medications for
diabetes
are the most common cause, particularly when combined with the following factors:

Taking too much blood sugar-lowering medication

Delaying or missing meals, or eating too little at meals

Too much or too strenuous exercise

Reactive hypoglycemia may also occur in people without diabetes. It is thought to be rare.

If you have frequent hypoglycemia, you may lose many of the early symptoms and be at particular risk of sudden loss of consciousness, seizure, or bizarre behavior. This could affect your ability to operate machinery or a motor vehicle. You will need to discuss any special instructions with your doctor.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

If hypoglycemia is suspected, your doctor will try to document your low blood sugar. Your blood glucose levels will be measured while you are having symptoms.

If you do not have diabetes, and you do not take medications that lower your blood sugar levels, other tests may be done to see if and why you are having low blood sugar levels. These tests may include checking your blood levels after periods of not eating.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options include:

Sugar

Symptoms of low blood sugar can be relieved quickly by:

Eating sugar in a rapidly absorbable form, such as:

Fruit juice

Sugared soft drink

Table sugar in water

Honey or corn syrup

Taking glucose tablets

IV glucose (in severe cases)

Medication

Some people who have prolonged or severe hypoglycemia take
glucagon. Glucagon is an injectable hormone. It raises blood sugar levels.

Surgery

Some cases of hypoglycemia are caused by a tumor. In this case, the tumor may need to be removed.

Prevention

To reduce your chance of hypoglycemia, take these steps:

For people with diabetes:

Monitor your medication. Take it as prescribed.

Follow the diet and exercise plans given by your doctor.

Avoid drinking alcohol in excess.

For non-diabetic people prone to hypoglycemia:

Avoid drinking too much alcohol.

Eat frequent, small meals.

Eat enough food before exercising.

If you are prone to severe hypoglycemia:

Wear a medical alert bracelet or other medical alert identification.

Learn to recognize symptoms and take quick corrective measures.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.